December AOTM- Chay Ramirez

For Chay, joining Solcana Fitness in November 2021 was a step toward managing anxiety and prioritizing mental health. What started as a way to cope with the stress of the pandemic turned into a transformative experience. “I didn’t expect how much better I’d feel, not just physically, but mentally, as I got stronger,” Chay shares. Over time, Solcana also became a place of community—a supportive and welcoming space that’s made all the difference.

Why Chay Keeps Coming Back: Strength, Progress, and Positivity

Chay’s motivation lies in the thrill of progress and the joy of feeling stronger. “What keeps me going is how rewarding it feels to see progress over time,” Chay explains. The supportive and friendly atmosphere at Solcana plays a huge role, too. “It’s made showing up something I look forward to,” Chay shares.

“I love coaching when Chay is in class. Chay has a quiet presence with great energy. He is very open to coaching and feedback. I have enjoyed getting to know Chay and look forward to seeing him in class,” Coach Traci shares.

Coach KK mentions that “Chay is a staple in Saturday classes, and it was a joy to reunite with them when I subbed two weekends ago. He’s so fun and sweet, I’ve loved watching his athleticism grow and evolve. I love his quiet determined energy during workouts, and his wit and humor always put folks in a good mood.”

Smashing Goals: From First Reps to Fancy Lifts

Since joining, Chay has made a lot of progress that he is proud of. “I can now deadlift 200 pounds, which feels amazing!” Chay says with pride. Along the way, they’ve even mastered some fancy weightlifting moves that they thought they’d never be able to do, adding a bit of flair to their progress. “Hell yeah!” sums it up perfectly. Each milestone reminds Chay how far hews come since he started, and “I’m excited to keep pushing myself,” Chay shares.

Coach Neesh shares “CHAYYY Ugh, what a wonderful human. He always comes into the space with an authentic smile and joyfulness. He's such a cool person, and always willing to chat about anything. Chay as an athlete; I would describe as curious. He loves to ask questions about movements to further his knowlege on the anatomy and physiology of many lifts. I admire his scientific approach to movement.”

Additionally, Coach Garrett F. mentions, “Chay is so great. As an athlete, he is an expert at finding his own path and meeting himself where he is. He is able to challenge himself and grow in his abilities while also being patient and kind with himself in his approach. I also always love learning more about him during the qod. He's a super interesting person while also being really genuine and open. I'm so glad that Chay has decided to hang out at Solcana.”

Outside the Gym: Bugs, Cooking, and Adventures in Nature

Chay’s passions extend far beyond the gym. A self-professed insect enthusiast, Chay loves exploring nature and learning about ecosystems. Their interest in the natural world has taken them on incredible adventures, including research in the Galapagos and Ecuadorian rainforests. Of course, those experiences came with a few occupational hazards: “I got stung and bitten by multiple critters—something I’ve never quite come to appreciate!” Chay laughs.

When not outdoors, Chay can often be found in the kitchen, where cooking becomes both a creative outlet and a way to unwind.

Finding Community at Solcana: A Space to Grow

Reflecting on the journey, Chay highlights the sense of support and comfort that’s made Solcana special. “When I first joined, I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Chay admits. But the encouragement from both coaches and fellow members quickly made Solcana feel like home. “The workouts are challenging, but having that support makes it all worth it.”

For Chay, the physical growth—like hitting a 200-pound deadlift—is just part of the story. One of the best parts of the Solcana journey has been being part of a community that fosters growth, celebrates wins, and offers a place to just be. “Finding a community here has been one of the best parts of my journey,” Chay says. “It’s been great to see how much I’ve grown since starting.”

Chay, we are so happy and grateful to have you a part of our Solcana community! We can’t imagine a workout without ya!